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The School Newspaper of Cherry Hill High School East

Eastside

The School Newspaper of Cherry Hill High School East

Eastside

The School Newspaper of Cherry Hill High School East

Eastside

Ashley Cooper

Ashley Cooper, Editor-in-Chief

There is nothing Ashley loves more than writing and capturing a story. When not in F087, Ashley can be found in D-Wing singing with Stay Tuned and on the East stage, practicing for the next theatre production. A passionate animals rights activist and vegan, Ashley has five animals: Prince, Pumpkin, Felicia, Max and Simba. As a Vice President of the Student Garden State Scholastic Press Association, Ashley is also a passionate fighter against censorship. In the future, Ashley plans to pursue a career in journalism.

All content by Ashley Cooper

The Audition: Brr! Brr! Mah!

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Editor In Chief
March 14, 2020

Before the stage manager can even finish reciting my name, I am already up and out of my seat moving toward the stage. Butterflies gently dance around in my stomach. A pounding drum pulsates to a steady beat in my skull. My feet quiver as I slowly move...

Thank You for Reading!

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Editor-in-Chief
November 11, 2016

Thank you for reading Eastside's coverage on "The Pursuit of the Perfect College." Above is a ThingLink (Picture) that Eastside used to locate college admission counselors on the map. Check out the quiz below to test your knowledge on the college admissions...

Eastside Editors’ Summer Journal

Eastside Editors’ Summer Journal

This past summer, Eastside editors participated in various summer programs all across the country. While each program had a unique focus, all editors were influenced,and even changed during their attendance. Check out some of the amazing things they did! Ashley Cooper’s RYLA Summer Program In most instances of my life, I try to maintain a positive disposition. I often hope that my optimism will spread to others, and simply cause a feeling of happiness to grow inside my friends and family.Noneth
Pokémon Go: A Fad or Here to Stay?

Pokémon Go: A Fad or Here to Stay?

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Editor-in-Chief
July 22, 2016

Undoubtedly, since its inception just over two weeks ago, Pokémon Go has become an extreme phenomenon. All throughout the nation, people of all ages have been playing the nostalgic game and particularly so within the Cherry Hill community. East sophomore,...

The Class of 2016 throw up their caps as the last procession in their Graduation Ceremony.

Senior Perspective Videos: Congrats Class of 2016!

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Underground Editor
June 17, 2016

On June 16, nearly 550 East students gathered together for their final East experience as a class: Graduation. Cougar Pride rang high; one could simply feel it in the air as the senior class marched proudly to their seats at the commencement of the graduation...

Senior Perspectives: Athletes Against Bullying

[Video] Senior Perspectives: Athletes Against Bullying

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Underground Editor
June 7, 2016

Over the course of the past three years, the Athletes Against Bullying has flourished in the East community, thanks to the efforts of Vice President of Communications, Charlotte Montgomery (Right), Treasurer, Lee Rosen-Swell (Center), and Club Founder...

Senior Perspectives: Most School Spirited

[Video] Senior Perspectives: Most School Spirited

Gabriella Friedman, Eastside Webmaster
June 6, 2016

Matt Armendinger (left), Bernie Davis (middle) and Brian Stamm (right) are known for their school spirit at East. These three seniors share how being school-spirited affected their time at East and how it has helped them be more connected to the East...

Senior Perspectives: Valedictorians

[Video] Senior Perspectives: Valedictorians

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Underground Editor
June 3, 2016

For four years of their life, East Seniors, Madlyn Kates (left) and Angela Sun (right) have consistently devoted hours upon hours to their school work with one objective: maintaining their status of "Class Valedictorian."  At least that's why most...

Part 3: Reflection and the Future

Ashley Cooper
May 13, 2016

Chapman has thoroughly enjoyed his time as East's principal during his three years. Though he was initially saddened by the news of his reassignment, Chapman is now resolutely joyed, as he feels that East is truly "more and more becoming a caring community...

Teachers share their thoughts on Dr. Chapman

Ashley Cooper
May 12, 2016

"Hopefully that niceness and sense of community hangs around a bit, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.” — Ms. McPherson, East Biology Teacher “[I]t's really nice to work for someone who I feel supports what I do, and who really has...

Record Store Day is not only a day, but an experience

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Underground Editor
April 17, 2016

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything”— Plato To me, the euphoric beauty of Record Store Day is insurmountable. However, in today’s fast-paced and rapidly innovative world,...

The Complete Experience of Record Store Day

The Complete Experience of Record Store Day

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Underground Editor
April 15, 2016

On April 16, 2016, the ninth annual Record Store Day will occur. A celebration of independent music retailers, Record Store Day is a cherished platform for over 200, independent record stores in the U.S. Besides simply the state's, Record Store Day expands...

Mr. East Countdown: Mr. Fun DIP- 5 days to go!

Mr. East Countdown: Mr. Fun DIP- 5 days to go!

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Underground Editor
April 10, 2016

A true character, Dipto Chakravarty, also known as Mr. Fun DIP, is ready to “own” the stage on Friday, April 15. In fact, Chakravarty has actually been “owning” the stage for quite some time now. “I did plays in my freshman year and I’ve...

Not a Freak

Not a Freak

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Underground Editor
March 1, 2016

At the bright, young age of 11, Alexander Rudin (‘19) began searching the great-wide-web. But unlike the typical preteen adolescent, Rudin was not simply searching the internet with mindless intentions; no, instead, he was focused on a search for identity;...

Pansexuality: I Live It Every Day

Ashley Cooper and Lanxi Li
March 1, 2016

If you haven’t seen Katie Aylesworth (‘16), then you’ve probably never been to an East theatre production. In this year alone, she’s played major roles in The Tempest (Ariel) and Beauty and the Beast (Belle), demonstrating her talents in both...

Apples v. Oranges: Sexuality v. Gender

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Underground Editor
March 1, 2016

Never embarrassed to be anything other than his complete and total self, Chris Doner (‘18) is always sure to adamantly portray his opinions with no regrets. “I’m both bisexual and transgender, actually,” said Doner. “If I was a girl,...

The New Genderation

The New Genderation

No one is new to the idea of LGBTQ+-centered journalism. We’ve all seen the words thrown about the media outlets: gay, lesbian, transgender. But although these terms might be used more frequently in the modern lexicon, it’s not uncommon for people...

East cheerleaders help to prepare the cougars for the East vs West football game

East hosts pep rally before East vs. West Football game

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Underground Editor
November 26, 2015

Students from all four grade levels hurried into the Dibart Gym for this year’s spirit week pep rally. As the gym filled up, the marching band blasted the large space with powerful contemporary music and a strong drumline. The cheerleaders also performed...

Perfect reveals the unrealistic expectations of perfection

Perfect reveals the unrealistic expectations of perfection

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Underground Editor
August 22, 2015

What does it mean to be perfect? A seven-letter word. A word begrudgingly specific in its definition, yet subjective in its visual. Is it an attainable goal or is it simply an illusion, a façade that can never be reached? Ellen Hopkins tackles the...

Supergroup releases a song for free on iTunes

Supergroup releases a song for free on iTunes

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Community Editor
April 29, 2015

With each passing week diverse artists are given the opportunity to be featured as a part of the all-new “Free On iTunes” section. With idiosyncrasies even more distinctive than their adversaries, the musical ensemble, Inventions stipulates an inimitable...

Mr. East Countdown: Mr. Captain AmERICa – 4 Days to go!

Mr. East Countdown: Mr. Captain AmERICa – 4 Days to go!

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Community Editor
March 23, 2015

Mature beyond his years, Eric Grayson (‘15) is tenaciously driven. Now known as Mr. Captain AmERICa, Grayson “fights” away any inhibitors, which could possibly impede his desired success. “One word that describes me is diligent,” said Grayson,...

Ibeyi releases new song "River" for free on iTunes

Ibeyi releases new song “River” for free on iTunes

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Community Editor
March 4, 2015

French-cuban sisters Naomi and Lisa-Kainde Diaz feature their eerie groove on their new track “River.” Hailing from the Afro-Caribbean Yoruba culture, the two twins use the epithet “Ibeyi” to identify themselves. Actually meaning twins in the...

February East Insider Column

February East Insider Column

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Community Editor
February 10, 2015

The month succeeding the New Year is a particularly eventful time for the East community. Diverse group of clubs are highlighted throughout this month, with an eclectic assortment of events occurring. Directly preceding the Sophomore Cotillion, East...

Photo courtesy of twitter.com/bornsmusic

BØRNS relaxes listeners with iTunes Single of the Week

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Community Editor
January 4, 2015

This week, iTunes features the electro-rock music of BØRNS as the iTunes Single of the Week. Originating from suburban Grand Haven, Michigan, Garrett Borns has been interested in the arts dating back to his magic days as “Garrett the Great.” The...

January East Insider Column

January East Insider Column

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Community Editor
January 2, 2015

Despite the holiday festivities and fun found during the December season, East students return to school with a tenacious stamina, as well as a blatant drive for persistence. Within a school full of events, some of the proceedings may be easily glanced...

Ms. Dilba welcomes everyone at East to the new Culinary Arts Center

New Culinary Arts Center opens up at East

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Community Editor
December 12, 2014

Greatly revamped in comparison to last year’s center, the reconstructed culinary kitchen opened on Oct. 7 of this year, to the great delight of cooking teacher Ms. Pat Dilba. “The new culinary kitchen center was established because the previous...

Photo courtesy of axs.com.

One Direction wins big at AMAs

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Community Editor
November 30, 2014

The annual American Music Awards (AMAs) took place last Sunday evening. Hosted by international superstar Pitbull, the 2014 AMAs showcased several various celebrities, from all realms of the entertainment world. Created in 1973 by Dick Clark, the...

Seniors cheer victoriously.

Seniors win Spirit Week

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Community Editor
November 26, 2014

This year’s pep rally began with a roaring pre-cession, courtesy of East’s Marching Band. The Cherry Hill East Marching Band then played the "Star Spangled Banner", as all East students rose to salute the American flag. Subsequently, the Cherry...

Photo courtesy of flickeringmyth.com.

Gone Girl – Movie Review

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Community Editor
October 16, 2014

Directed by an advent perfectionist, David Fincher, and based off of the best-selling novels of Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl is undoubtedly and absolutely, brilliant. On technical terms alone, Gone Girl is a masterpiece. Every nuance of the movie added...

Jack White’s second solo album doesn’t dissapoint

Ashley Cooper, Eastside Community Editor
August 18, 2014

Originating from humble beginnings in 1997 Detroit, Jack White formed The White Stripes, with his ex-wife, Meg White. The White Stripes began as a band with little experience; Meg White, the sole drummer of the band, had no drumming education at all....